No one should have to live with rats. When citizens, business and government work together, rat infestations can be reduced to minimal levels. City agencies can't do it alone. Everyone has a part to play. Property owners and businesses must maintain their garbage-the number one source for rats to get their essential food-in containers that are rodent-proof until it's picked up. Tenants must do the same in the houses and apartments, and also ensure that they do not litter their yards or the street. (More helpful tips on what you and everyone should know about how to prevent rats can be found here.)
As the hallmark of its integrated pest management (IPM) approach, first and foremost, the Office of Pest Control Services seeks to educate property owners and tenants on the best ways to prevent rodent infestations in the first place. When necessary, we will inspect properties with infestations and use our enforcement powers under the NYC Health Code to require property owners and tenants to clean their properties and eliminate conditions that lead to rats. As a last resort, the Office of Pest Control Services will issue a fine to the appropriate party, perform rodent control services itself, and bill the property owner for the work completed.
In summary, the Office employs the following strategies:
Education & Outreach - we need your help!
- • Improve the public's awareness of the causes of rodent infestations
- • Develop partnerships with the community in eliminating conditions that lead to rodent infestation
- • Promote use of rodent-resistant trash containers in areas with rodent infestations
Rodent Control Measures
- • Improve sanitation to reduce food sources and conditions that lead to rodent infestations
- • Work closely with other agencies to ensure that all city-owned properties are free of rodent infestations and conditions that lead to them
- • Target areas with large rodent populations for increased inspections and, when appropriate, exterminations
- • When property owners fail to do so themselves, reduce rodent access to homes and apartments by demonstrating or making minor repairs to buildings to eliminate access points
- • Exterminate, when appropriate, through the safe & strategic placement of bait
Research & Evaluation
- • Measure the outcome of rodent control activities to determine their usefulness
- • Research the best practices for prevention and control of rodent problems for implementation in NYC
- • Continue to develop improvements in pest control measures that adhere to concepts of IPM to minimize the use of pesticides whenever possible.
- • Expand use of technology, including the use of electronic maps, to improve response to rodent infestation complaints.
